Greenville, SC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located in Northwestern South Carolina, Greenville is an active city with a vibrant downtown and plentiful outdoor recreation. With local community festivals, four distinct seasons, and affordable housing, Greenville is popular among retirees seeking the amenities of a big city and the charm of a small town.  

Climate & Geography 

Greenville has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with cool evenings, and winters are cold with occasional freezes. Precipitation is high year round, resulting in higher than average rainfall. Residents can expect 220 days of sun on average throughout the year.

The city is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain, resulting in high elevation and a hilly terrain. The city is east of the Saluda River, and Reedy River crosses through the center of the city.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Outdoor recreation is abundant both in and around the city. Within city limits are several parks, including the popular Falls Park on the Reedy, located in Greenville’s Historic West End District. This park is filled with gardens, public, and scenic views. Paris Mountain State Park north of the city has miles of hiking trails and a lake for swimming. 

For shopping, residents head downtown for local breweries, restaurants, museums, and shops. ONE City Plaza is the shopping hub in the center of downtown with high-end boutiques. NOMA Square, a pedestrian plaza, hosts community events and festivals as well.

Other amenities include the Greenville Zoo, the Peace Center for concerts and shows, and multiple golf courses throughout the city.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The cost of living in Greenville is lower than the national average in every index. Transportation costs are especially low.

South Carolina does not tax Social Security, and while it does tax other forms of retirement income, they are largely deductible for retirees. The state has very low property taxes with a Homestead Exemption available for retirees as well. Sales taxes are somewhat higher than average, and only the local rates apply to groceries.

Health Care

The Greenville metro area scores well in Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 70 communities in the U.S.

Greenville has two hospitals that are nationally ranked by U.S. News: Bon Secours St. Francis Health System-Greenville and Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.